Broad Channel Bits

By Liz Guarino

September days are on the wane—the month is almost gone! The weather has been so pleasant, but the grass, trees and plants can always use a good bit of rain—leaves are falling from the trees already—but because of dryness, not cooler temperatures as they usually do. A good rain might chase the dryness, helping the trees keep their leaves and lowering the humidity to a comfortable level too.

The first Brunch of the season will be held at the American Legion Hall on Sunday, October 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fluffy eggs or pancakes, potatoes, roll and butter, Bloody Mary and cake—what could be better except—no cooking!

Christ Presbyterian Church on Noel Road will hold a Flea Market on Saturday, October 1 from noon till 3 p.m. in the church hall. Lunch will be available. All monies raised from this event will be sent to their sister church in Louisiana that is caring for survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

The Books ‘n Bagels book discussion will be held next on Wednesday, September 28 at 10 a.m. in the Library. (Note that members chose a different day of the week to meet.) Under discussion will be: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult. It is a fiction book about a girl whose parents made sure she would be a good DNA match to save her sister’s life. (Some years ago, there was a case like this in the news.)

Remember to mark October 2 Historical Day on your 2005 historical calendar. Help celebrate the 11th annual event at the VFW Hall on Shad Creek Road from noon to 5 p.m. Hope you can bring some old pictures or other memorabilia of Broad Channel. The 2006 calendar (containing times of high tide) will be on sale for $5. Calendars can be purchased at Grassy’s, All American Deli, Channel Cutters, Broad Channel Grocery, and from members of the Historical Committee.

Broad Channel Pre-K will be hosting a Bake Sale in front of the Firehouse after all the masses on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9. All proceeds to go to the Broad Channel Pre-k.

On Sunday, October 9, there will be a communion brunch after the 11:30 a.m. mass at St. Virgilius. Jointly sponsored by the St. Virgilius P.A., the Rosary Altar Society and the Golden Age Club, the cost is $10 per person. The brunch will take place in the church hall of Christ Presbyterian Church.

The Defensive Driving Course is available next month at St. Virgilius School lunchroom. [Those who took the course in 2002 will notice that their certificates expire this year.] Course will be held on Monday, October 17 and Wednesday, October 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. Attendance is required both nights. Course costs $55. Participants completing the course can choose from a 10 percent reduction on their auto insurance or up to 4 points off on driver’s license. There is no test; refreshments will be served. To register call Helen at 718 945-4648 or Cindy at 718 634-5449. Seats are limited; payment in full guarantees seat.

Those who registered for New York State exams for N.Y. State Court Officer-Trainee Exam will be taking the exams on one of the two dates, which are fast approaching. Test Dates will be held on one of two Saturdays: the first date is October 22 and the second date is December 10.

The ASPCA spay/neuter van will come to Broad Channel, West 12th Road and will be trapping, spaying/neutering, and releasing the feral cats that live on each street back into the community. They will be here for several hours and will make a return visit to sterilize stray cats on other streets. This is a kindness for these animals as it will keep the population of homeless cats from getting larger because the animals won’t be able to breed. The cats will not be injured in any part of this process. A side benefit of neutering male cats is that the very strong odor of their urine will be gone as well. The ASPCA is planning for 25 cats.

The historical committee needs your help answering inquiries from relatives of people who once lived in the area. Please contact Barbara at 718 474-1127 if you have any information on the following: 1) Marion Wilkens Aldrich Fleischman who lived here in the 1930’s and 40’s and had a daughter, Harriet Aldrich; 2) J. Macmillan who lived at 56 W. 13th Road in the 1940’s and was from Scotland; 3) William Grolz who owned a hotel at the Raunt in the early 1900’s.

On Sunday, September 11, the American Legion Post 1404 hosted a barbecue for the hospitalized Veterans. They hosted over 90 veterans, who were entertained once again by Broad Channel’s own Wax R Back. The Post would like to personally THANK the Wax R Back, once again for their continuing support in helping them to show the Veterans a good time.

Campbell’s is sponsoring a SOUPer Parents essay contest for children age 13 and older on the topic: “Tell us about your classroom SOUPer Parent in 200 words or less. Parents nominated must have school age children between 3 and 18. SOUPer Parent winners will get certificates worth 10,000 labels to be awarded to the school of their choice. Complete contest details are available on the website: www.labelsforeducation.com

What do you think of this saying from the famous poet? Ralph Waldo Emerson advised: “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.”